The war of words between IBO champions Ricardo Malajika and Jackson Chauke stole the show on Thursday when powerhouse South African promotions company Golden Gloves unveiled its first quarter plans for 2025.
At the Johannesburg press conference, Malajika presented Chauke with a dummy and baby blanket, mocking him, while Chauke warned Malajika about being disrespectful. Malajika, the IBO super flyweight champion, will step down in weight to challenge for Chauke’s IBO flyweight belt at “Palace Pandemonium” on March 1, the first-ever showdown between two reigning IBO titleholders.
This fight will mark Malajika’s debut under a new three-team business consortium, which includes Lennox Lewis’ Lion Promotions, Golden Gloves, and Adriano Sport and Music. The agreement was finalised during Lewis and his business manager Adrian Ogun’s visit to South Africa in December.
Thursday’s event also featured the draw for the light heavyweight “Rising Titans” tournament, set for Emperors Palace the same night. Bryan Thysse will face Tuvia Wewege, and Bonginkosi Nhlapo will rematch Michael Head with the overall winner claiming the vacant SA title.
The following day at Emperors Palace, an eight-bout development tournament will highlight the emerging talent from the Golden Gloves stable. Among the fighters is Kestna Davis, a protégé of Lennox Lewis, making his second appearance in South Africa after a victory last month. Former heavyweight world champion Lewis will be ringside once again to observe the action firsthand.
On April 18, South Africa’s Roarke Knapp will fight unbeaten Bakare Samake in France for the WBC Silver belt at junior middleweight. Malajika will defend his IBO super flyweight belt against Elton Dharry in Guyana on May 3, and Shervantaigh Koopman will challenge for the IBO junior middleweight championship on May 31.
Promoter Rodney Berman also announced new sponsors in SuperSportBet and iME, a leader in the video tech space. Africa’s leading promoter anticipated an outstanding season for Golden Gloves’ 48th year, hinting at more major announcements to come.
